Garment or ironing press



GARM NT OR IRONING PRESS Original Filed July 21, 1930 2 Sheets$heet 1 A TTORNEYS March 31, 1936. E, v g 2,035,796

GARMENT OR I RONING PRESS Original Filed July 21, 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 A TTORNEYS Patented Mar. 31, 1936 UNITED STATES GARlVIENT R IRONING PRESS Ernest Davis, Syracuse, N. Y., assig-nor to The Prosperity Company, Inc., Syracuse, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application July 21, 1930, Serial No. 469,484 Renewed May 6, 1933 14 Claims.

This invention relates to pressing machines, and particularly to automatic means for controlling air flow through one of the pressing elements.

The principal object of the invention is to provide a pressing machine having an air flow operating unit which will be controlled automatically from the devices for controlling the operation of the motor means of the press.

Another important object is to automatically control an air flow operating unit for a press having operating mechanism which initially closes the press under light pressure and finally under heavy pressure so that air will flow automatically when' heavy pressure is released between the pressing jaws and particularly when pressure is released from a high power motor which produces the heavy pressure.

A further object is to provide an automatic control, irrespective of what purpose to which it is put, for automatically actuating the control upon release of pressure in a motor.

A further object of the invention is to provide an air flow operating means which will be controlled by the air pressure used to operate the press regardless of the position of the motor means.

An air flow control which is dependent for its automatic operation on the position of the motor means is shown in my copending application, Sr. No. 456,659, for automatic air flow with high pressure, filed May 28, 1930.

The invention consists in the novel features and in the combinations and constructions hereinafter set forth and claimed.

In describing this invention, reference is had to the accompanying drawings in which like characters designate corresponding parts in all the views.

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a pressing machine with my invention applied thereto.

Figure 2 is a view mostly in section, showing the relation of the control and operating means of the pressing machineshown in Figure 1.

My invention is designed primarily for use with pressing machines of the head and buck type which are provided with means for blowing a current of air through one of the pressing jaws, such as the fixed pressing element or buck. A movable pressing jaw or head H) is suitably mounted on a supporting yoke I l which is pivoted at |2 to a back leg |3 of a pressing machine frame I4. A fixed pressing element or buck I5 is suitably mounted on a supporting neck It which rises from the frame M.

The buck I5 is of the conventional type provided with a porous face, not shown, through which air is blown or drawn, in a manner readily understood by those skilled in the art. Air is supplied to or drawn from the lower pressing element through a pipe H, from any suitable source or by any suitable means. Valve means I 8 are provided for controlling the flow of air through the pipe H. The valve I8 is operated by a valve operating motor I9, and operator-operated means such as a foot lever and connecting link 2| are provided for additionally operating the valve l8 by moving the valve operating motor I9 bodily, in a manner which will be described later.

The yoke II is operated to move the head In to open and close the press, by a fluid or low power motor which is pivoted to the pressing machine frame at 26 and to an outstanding portion of a link 21, at 28. The link 21 is pivoted to the yoke II at 30.

After the press has been closed under initial light pressure by the fluid or low power motor 25, final heavy pressure is applied to the pressing jaws or elements by a fluid or high power motor 35. A piston rod 36 is pivotally connected to the forwardly extending arm of the bell crank 31, and the upwardly extending arm of this bell crank 31 is pivotally connected at 38 with the link 21 to form a toggle through which the motor applies final heavy pressure to the yoke H and pressing head It]. A spring 39 is provided to open the press when the pressure in the motors 25 and 35 is relieved or exhausted. This operating mechanism for the press or movable pressing jaw is of the conventional type and forms no part per se of the present invention.

Control mechanism for zero pressure Working fluid, such as air, is supplied to the press through a supply line 40. This supply line connects with a valve casing 4| which contains a normally closed intake valve 42, to prevent the flow of air from the supply line 40 through the valve casing 4 I The intake valve 42 is connected by a stem 43 with a normally open exhaust valve 44 having a stem 45 which extends through the end of the valve casing 4|. A control, such as a foot operated lever 48 is pivotally mounted on the pressing machine frame at 49. A link member 50 connects with a bell crank 5| which is provided with a cross member 52 for operating the valves 44 and 42 in the valve casing 4|.

When the operator depresses the foot lever 48 to actuate the connecting link 50 and bell crank 5|, the cross member 52 will be moved to displace the valve stem 45 to the right in Figure 2, thus closing the exhaust valve 44 and opening the intake valve 42. This movement of the cross member 52 also operates an exhaust valve 44 which will be described hereinafter. Opening of the intake valve 42 will permit air to flow from the supply line 40 around the open intake valve 42, through the valve casing 4|, and. pipe 55 to supply working fluid to the low power motor 25 to close the press under initial or zero pressure.

A branch 56, of the pipe 55, leads to the valve casing 66, but air can not escape through this valve casing at this time in the operation of the press since the valve in this valve casing is closed.

The foot lever 48 is provided with a latch (H which engages an abutment 62 to lock the foot lever in depressed position. Any means for holding the press in initially closed position is contemplated herein.

High pressure operating means The control means for operating the high ,power motor 35 to apply final heavy pressure to the pressing jaws or elements, is preferably of the two-hand control type which requires the operator to use both hands to apply final heavy pressure. The two-hand control illustrated in Figure 2 comprises valve mechanisms 65 and 65 of identical construction, arranged in series.

Each of these valve mechanisms 65 and 66 includes a valve casing containing a normally closed intake valve 6? and a normally open exhaust valve 68., connected together by a rigid link or stem 69. ,Each exhaust valve 68 is provided with a stem 10, extending through the end of the valve casing. The valves of the valve mechanism 65 are operated by a handle II which contacts with the valve stem 16. The valves in the valve mechanism 66 are operated by a handle 72 which contactswith the valve stem "IO.

Pressure for operating the high power motor 35 is taken from the supply line 46, through a pipe 15 which preferably leads to a pressure regulating or reducing valve 76. This reducing valve may be dispensed with if desired and hence a by-pass TI, having a control valve 18 therein, may be opened when it is desirable to render the pressure regulating or reducing valve I6 inoperative. Air from the by-pass TI, or from the pressure regulating or reducing valve 16, passes through a pipe 86 to a valve casing 8| containing a normally closed intake valve 82. The intake valve 82 is connected by a stem 83 to a normally open exhaust valve 84 having a stem 85 projecting through the end of the valve casing 8|. The valves in the valve casing SI are operated by a rocker arm 8% which is actuated by a plunger 82'. The plunger 8? extends into a diaphragm chamber 88 and is operated by a diaphragm 89, when pressure is applied to the diaphragm chamber 88 from the valve mechanism 65. A pipe 96 connects the diaphragm chamber 88 with the valve mechanism 65.

When the operator wishes to apply final heavy pressure to the pressing elements he will move the handles H and I2,'so as to operate the valve mechanisms 65 and 66 at thesame time. Air will flow from the supply line 49 through a pipe 92, around the open intake valve 61, through the casing of the valve mechanisms 66, through a pipe 93, valve casing of the valve mechanism 65, around the open intake valve 61, and pipe 99, to the diaphragm chamber 88 of the valve casing 8i. The air pressure behind the diaphragm 89 will operate the plunger 8? and move the rocker arm 86 against the valve stem 85 to operate the valves in the valve casing 8I.

When the intake valve 82 in the valve casing BI is open, air will flow from the supply line 46 through the pipe 15, pressure regulating or reducing valve 16, or by-pass 'I'I, through the pipe 56, open intake valve 82. valve casing 8!, pipe 95, and pipe 96 to the fluid motor 35 to operate the same to apply final heavy pressure to the pressing elements. Air cannot escape through the pipes I35 and since the exhaust valve 45* was closed when the foot lever 68 was operated 'to bring the pressing elements together under light pressure.

If the operator attempted to close the press under heavy pressure, without first operating the foot lever 93, to operate the zero pressure motor 25, the exhaust valve 34 would be open and air would escape through the pipes I35 and 95 to the open exhaust valve 44 thus preventing sufficient pressure from building up in the pipe 96 to operate the fluid or high power motor 35. The Valve 24 is primarily intended, however, for use in connection with the air flow features later to be described.

A pressure gauge 97 may be mounted at any suitable point to indicate the pressure applied to the fluid motor 35.

Automatic air flow operating means A valve I8 is provided to control the flow of air through the pipe I i. The valve i8 is provided with a stem Ifll having a collar I32 rigidly secured thereon. A spring I63 between the pipe El and the collar I62 holds the valve l8 normally in closed position. The valve I8 is opened by a valve operating motor Is which contains a piston W5 having a piston rod H16 which contacts with the valve stem MI.

Means are provided in the valve casing 66 to supply air to the valve operating motor I9 so as to operate the valve I8 when the machine is closed under zero pressure and after it has been closed under heavy pressure. The valvemechanism in the valve casing 56 is designed however, so as not to operate the valve operating motor 49 when the press is closed under zero pressure prior to applying final heavy pressure. Thus the air flow is automatically provided before the press opens but is not provided during .closing of the press. The valve casing 56 contains a normally closed inlet valve H6 and a normally open exhaust valve HI which are connected together by a stem. The valve III has a stem II2 extending through the top of the valve casing 60. A rocker arm H3 contacts with the valve stem IIZ to operate the valves I Hi and I I l. The rocker arm H3 is locked in operated position by a plunger l 94 which extends through the side of a diaphragm chamber H5 containing a diaphragm I I6. Air is admitted into the diaphragm chamber H5 through a duct or conduit 529, to apply pressure behind the diaphragm H6. rocker arm H3 is operated by a plunger I23 extending from a diaphragm casing I24 which contains. a diaphragm I25. The diaphragm H6 is therefore holding means which is operable upon opening of the valve IE9 by means to be described to retain the valve in open position.

The valve casing 69 also contains a normally open intake valve I36 which is closed, against the tension of a spring, by pressure in a diaphragm casing ISI applied behind a diaphragm I32 which contacts with the stem of the valve I36. The valve I 36 is in series with the valve I I0 and both of these valves are in series with the valve 62. e

When the handles it and 12 are operated to supply air to the motor 35, which in the embodiment shown herein is a high power motor, through the pipe 96, air will also be supplied through the branch pipe I35, and pipe I36, to the diaphragm chamber I 3|. The pipe I36 is pro- Vided with a branch pipe I31 which supplies air to the diaphragm chamber I24. This supply of air to the diaphragm chambers I3I and I24 will cause the intake valve I30 to be closed, and will cause the rocker arm I I3 to be operated to close the exhaust valve III and open the intake valve H0. The diaphragm I25 and I32 are means operated when the press is under final heavy pressure, or specifically operated by the fluid pressure from the motor 35, shown herein as a high power motor, to open the normally closed intake valve I I and to close the normally open intake valve I30.

At this point in the operation of the mechanism, air will flow from the supply line 40 around the open intake valve 42, valve casing 4|, pipe 55, around the open intake valve H0, and through the duct or conduit I20 into the diaphragm chamber H to lock the valves H0 and III in operated position. The pressure in the diaphragm chamber I3I, behind the diaphragm I32 will be sufficient, due to the large area of the diaphragm I32, to hold the valve I30 closed against the tension of the spring and the pressure of the air in the valve casing 60. Since this valve I30 is kept closed no air will be supplied to the valve operating motor I9 and no air flow will result. The valve I30 is then means to prevent the flow of air through the pipe I? when the press is under final heavy pressure.

When the operator wishes to reduce the pressure of the machine from high pressure to zero pressure to obtain air flow he will hold operated the handle I I, while the handle I2 is released to move to its normal inoperative position shown in Figure 2. This operation of the handle 'II alone will hold the valve 61 open and the valve 68 closed in the valve mechanism 65. This will permit air from the diaphragm chamber 88 to flow back through the pipe 90, around the valve 61, through the pipe 93, and into the casing for the valve mechanism 66 from which it will escape, through the open exhaust valve 68. Air will escape from the diaphragm chamber 88, in the manner just described, faster than air can enter the diaphragm chamber through the conduit connecting it with the valve casing 8I. The reduction in the air pressure in the diaphragm chamber 88 will permit a spring 82 to restore the valves 82 and 84 to their normal position, shown in Figure 2. When the intake valve 82 closes, the supply of air from the pipe 80 andthrough the valve casing 8| and pipes 95 and. 96 to the fluid motor 35 is cut off. When the exhaust valve 84 opens, the air in the fluid high power motor 35 will escape through the passages 96 and 95 into the valve casing BI from which it will exhaust through the open exhaust valve 84.

The pressure in the fluid motor 35 having been reduced, the pressing elements will be closed under initial light pressure only, by the pressure in the fluid low power motor 25. The pressure in V the diaphragm chambers I3I and I24 will also be reduced and the valve 30 will open under influence of its spring. The valves H0 and III, being locked in position by the pressure in the diaphragm chamber II5, will not be influenced by the reduction in pressure in the diaphragm chamber I24.

When the valve I30 opens, air will flow from the supply line 40, around the intake valve 42, through the valve casing 4!, pipe 56, around the open intake valve H0, through the now open valve I30, and hose I45, to the valve operating motor I9. This supply of working fluid to the valve operating motor I9 will cause the piston I05 to move upwardly to open the valve I8 against the compression of the spring I03.

Air will flow through the pipe I! and cause air-flow through the buck I5 of the press. It is immaterial, so far as this-invention is concerned, in which direction the air flows through the pipe IT, or whether the air flow produces a blowing of air up through the face of the buck, or a suction of air through the buck. Both methods are wellknown in the art.

The normally closed valve III] is also a first means which normally disconnects the operated means I9 from the operating mechanism, or specifically from the motor 35 thereof. The first means also remains in connected position after it has been connected with the operating mechanism. The valve I30 is a second means which is in series between the first means H0 and the operated means I 9 and is normally in connected position. Now the diaphragms I25 and I32 constitute means which is actuated during the closing movement of the operating mechanism and so long as the operating mechanism is in closed position, and performs the double function of connecting the first means and disconnecting the second means. Now since the diaphragms I 25 and I32 are actuated during the closing movement of the operating mechanism and so long as the operating mechanism is in closed position, the first means and the second means will remain, respectively, in connected and disconnected positions until the operating mechanism opens the press. Upon opening of the press, the first means is held in connected position and the second means returns to connected position so that a completed connection is established between the operating mechanism for the movable jaw I0 and the operated means I9. The operated means I9 is thereupon actuated to perform any function desired thereof. The particular function performed herein is the opening of an air flow control valve I8.

When the operator wishes to open the press, he will release the latch GI and permit the pedal of the foot lever 48 to rise. Thismovementof the foot lever 48 will cause the link member 50 to move downwardly,thus rocking the bell crank-5| to cause the cross member 52 to move to the left in Figure 2. The valves 44 and 42 in the valve casing 4| will be moved by the spring shown into normal position with the exhaust valve 44 open and the intake valve 42 closed. The closing of the intake valve 42 will cut off the supply of air from the supply line 40 to the pipes 55 and 55. The opening of the exhaust valve 44 will permit air to exhaust from the cylinder of the fluid motor 25, through the pipe 55 and valve casing 4I. Air may also exhaust from the valve casing 68 through the pipe 56 and valve casing 4|. Dropping the air pressure in the valve casing 60 will reduce the pressure in the diaphragm chamber II5 so that the valves I I0 and I II may be moved into their normal position by the spring shown, with the intake valve IIO closed and the exhaust valve I I I open.

The press may be opened without obtaining air flow by means of the valve 44 When the press is closed under heavy pressure the operator, without releasing the handle I! releases the locking latch 6| so that the foot lever 48 releases the pressure on the means connecting it with the valves 44 and 44 these valves 44 and 44 are then free to open. The valve 44 will be opened by the pressure in the pipe 96 and when open will provide an exhaust for air through pipes 96, 96 and I35 from the high pressure motor 35 and through pipes I36 and I37 from the diaphragm chambers I24 and I 3|. The valve 44 will open and permit air to exhaust from the fluid motor 25. When so controlled, the press will open without operating the air flow.

It will be apparent from the foregoing description that the valve operating motor I9 operates to open the valve I8 and cause air-flow through the buck whenever heavy pressure on the pressing element is relieved and the machine remains closed under light pressure from the motor 25. The operator may obtain air-flow at any other time by means of an auxiliary control pedal 28 which operates a link member M to move the valve operating motor I9 bodily, and thus actuate the valve I8 regardless of the fact that the piston W5 is not moving relative to the cylinder of the valve motor I9. The hose connection I45 is sufficiently flexible to permit this bodily movement of the valve operating motor I9. Obviously the motor I05 may be used for any desired purpose other than to control the flow of air to a pressing jaw.

Although the mechanism represented by the motor I9, the valves in the valve casing 68 and their associated mechanism, such as the diaphragms I32 and I25 and the motor 35, are associated with a low power motor 25 and its controls, this mechanism will operate in the same manner and as effectively with the motor 35 alone. It is immaterial in one aspect of the invention whether the motor 35 serves as a high power motor or is a single motor having a two step movement or a single step motor unassociated with a low power motor 25.

While I have illustrated the preferred embodiment of my invention, various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. An air-flow control device for pressing machines, including valve means for controlling the air-flow; control mechanism, including a fluid motor, for operating the valve means automatically in accordance with the operation of the pressing machine; and aux liary means for operating the valve means including means for bodily moving the motor.

2. In a pressing machine in combination cooperative pressing elements one of which is movable toward and from the other; air current means connected with one of the pressing elements to pass a current of air therethrough; means to automatically control said air current means; and means to prevent the automatic operation of the air current means when the pressing elements are together under heavy pressure.

3. In a pressing machine in combination cooperative pressing elements one of which is movable toward and from the other; air current means connected with one of the pressing elements to pass a current of air therethrough; means to automatically control said air current means; means to prevent the automatic operation of the air current means when the pressing elements are together under heavy pressure; and operator-operated means to control the operation of the air current means at any time.

4. In a garment pressing machine in comination cooperative pressing elements one of pressing element to close the press; including motor means to move the movable pressing element into preliminary closed position; other motor means to apply heavy pressure to the pressing elements; devices to control the operation of the respective motor means; and. mechanism, controlled by the operation of the control devices for the heavy pressure motor means, for controlling the operation of air current means.

5. In a pressing machine in combination cooperative pressing elements, one of which is movable toward and from the other; motor means to operate the movable pressing element to effect light pressure and heavy pressure between the pressing elements; control means for controlling the operation of the motor means to ef-.

fect light pressure and to release light pressure between the pressing elements; control means for controlling the operation of the motor means to effect heavy pressure and to release heavy pressure between the pressing elements; air curunder light pressure after having been closed under heavy pressure.

6. In a pressing machine in combination cooperative pressing elements, one of which is movable toward and from the other; motor means to operate the movable pressing element to effect light pressure and heavy pressure between the pressing elements; control means for controlling the operation of the motor means to eiTect light pressure and to release light pressure between the pressing elements; control means for controlling the operation of the motor means to effect heavy pressure and to release heavy pressure between the pressing elements; air current means connected with one of the pressing elements to pass a current of air through the work supported on said pressing element; means to control said air current means; connections be-' and means connected to the control means for the 7 air current means and controlled the light pressure control means for rendering the control' means for the air current means inoperative upon release of the light pressure prior to the release or the heavy pressure.

7. In a garment or ironing press, in combination, cooperative pressing jaws one or" which is movable toward and from the other, operating mechanism connected with the movable pressing jaw to apply initial light pressure and final heavy pressure between the jaws, air current means connected with one of the pressing jaws to pass a current of air therethrough, and means to automatically control said air current means when the operating means hrings the jaws under final heavy pressure, including means controlled by the operating mechanism when under heavy pressure to prevent the flow of air through said jaw when the pressing elements are together under heavy pressure and whereby the air current means is rendered operative when the operating means removes final heavy pressure from the press laws.

8. In a garment or ironing press, in combination, cooperative pressing jaws one of which is movable toward and from the other, operating mechanism connected with the movable pressing jaw to apply initial light pressure and final heavy pressure between the jaws, air current means connected with one of the pressing jaws to pass a current of air therethrough, means to automatically control said air current means when the operating means brings the jaws under final heavy pressure, including means controlled by the operating mechanism when under heavy pressure to prevent the flow of air through said jaw when the pressing elements are together under heavy pressure and whereby the air current means is rendered operative when the operating means removes final heavy pressure from the press jaws, and operator-operated means for controlling the operation of the air current means at any time.

9. In a garment or ironing press, in combination, cooperative pressing jaws one of which is movable toward and from the other; operating mechanism connected with the movable pressing jaw, including a light power motor to apply initial light pressure, and a high power motor to apply final heavy pressure; operator-operated means for controlling the motors, air current means connected with one of the pressing jaws to pass a current of air therethrough, and means to automatically control said air current means when the high power motor is actuated, including means controlled by the high power motor when under heavy pressure to prevent the flow of air through said pressing jaw when the pressing jaws are together under heavy pressure and to release the means when heavy pressure is released and whereby the air current flows when the jaws are released from heavy pressure.

10. An operating control means for a garment or ironing press comprising, reciprocating motor means having a power and return stroke, normally closed valve means connected with a source of fluid supply, holding means operable upon opening of the valve means to hold the latter open, fluid pressure operated means, a normally open valve means connected in series between the normally closed valve means and the fluid pressure operated means, means operable to close the normally open valve means and to open the normally closed valve means, and means connecting the last named means with the motor means so that actuation of the motor means operates the last named means whereby the pressure operated means is automatically, actuated upon the return stroke of the motor means.

11. An operating control means for a garment or ironing press comprising, a fluid motor, valve means including an inlet and exhaust valve operatively connected with the motor and with a source of fluid supply to actuate the motor, a normally closed valve connected with a source of fluid supply, holding means operable upon opening of the normally closed valve to hold the latter open, fluid pressure operated means, a normally open valve means connected in series with the normally closed valve and the pressure operated means, means operable to close the normally open valve and to open the normally closed valve, and means connecting the last named: means with the fluid motor so that the last named means is operated by fluid pressure in the fluid motor to open the normally closed valve and close the normally open valve whereby the fluid pressure operated means is automatically actuated upon exhausting of fluid pressure from the fluid motor.

12. An operating control means for a garment or ironing press comprising, motor means to initially close the press under light pressure and subsequently close the press under heavy pressure; a first valve means operatively connected with the motor means and with a source of fluid supply to actuate the motor means including, an exhaust valve; a second and normally closed valve means connected in series with the first valve means, holding means operable upon opening of the second valve means to hold the latter open, fluid pressure operated means, a third and normally open valve means connected in series between the second valve means and the pressure operated means, means operable to close the third and normally open valve means and to open the second and normally closed valve means upon actuation of the motor means under heavy pressure, and means connecting the last named means with the fluid motor means so that the last named means is operated to open the second valve means and close the third valve means and whereby the fluid pressure operated means is automatically actuated upon return of the fluid motor means to initial light pressure.

13. An operating control means for a garment or ironing press comprising, a high power motor, a low power motor; a valve means including, an inlet valve and an exhaust valve operatively connected with the high power motor to actuate the same; a valve connected with the low power motor and a source of fluid supply, a normally closed valve connected with the last mentioned valve, holding means operable upon opening of the normally closed valve to hold the latter open, fluid pressure operated means, a normally open valve means connected in series with the normally closed Valve and the pressure operated means, means operable to close the normally open valve and to open the normally closed valve, and means connecting the last means with the high power motor and operable upon fluid pressure therein to open the normally closed valve and close the normally open valve whereby the fluid pressure operated means is actuated upon exhausting of the fluid from the high power motor.

14. In a garment or ironing press, in combination, cooperative pressing jaws one of which is movable toward and from the other, operating mechanism connected with the movable pressing jaw to close and open the press, normally closed valve means connected with a source of fluid supply, holding means operable upon opening of the valve means to hold the latter open, fluid pressure operated means, a normally open valve means connected in series between the normally closed valve means and the fluid pressure operated means, means operable to close the normally open valve means and to open the normally closed valve means, and means connecting the last named means with the operating mechanism so that actuation thereof operates the last named means whereby the pressure operated means is automatically actuated upon the opening movement of the operating mechanism.

ERNEST DAVIS. 

